The Kohaku Koi is the oldest, most well-known, and often most popular variety among koi lovers. Kohaku are easily recognizable by their bright-white body patterned with red. There are two variations of the Kohaku Koi. The first and most common is patterned with red all over. The second is an extra-special type called the Tancho Kohaku, which only has a red spot in the middle of its forehead. This variation is rare and therefore highly prized. Consider yourself lucky if you have beautiful Kohaku swimming in your water garden!

Common Kohaku Koi Patterns

A Kohaku is described as Kanoko (fawn) if it presents a uniform pattern of a single, red blossom in the center of each scale. To some, Kanoko Kohaku make a good investment, however; rumor has it that the red dots “go away” with time, ultimately leaving nothing but an expensive white fish.

The pattern of Kohaku may occur in spots, lightning strikes or zig-zags (inazuma), or it can be solid (ippon). When a Kohaku presents itself with two spots, it is called “Two-Step” Kohaku or Nidan. Three spots are referred to as “Three Step” Kohaku or Sandan. Fish with more than three spots are not considered precious, and are therefore generally disregarded.

In terms of physical characteristics, the body of Kohaku ought to be rather fat, well-proportioned, and sort of rounded off. In the more mature fish, the head should have a fat structure. Additionally, the base of the tail, where the caudal fin emerges, and the fan-shaped pectoral fins behind the head should also be big and round. The rounder and whiter, the better. Thin almond-shaped pectoral fins are a disappointment. The body of the fish should be wider than the head, which would suggest that the fish is a female, which is a good thing.

An Ode to the Japanese Flag

The pattern on the Japanese flag represents a red sun in the middle of a pure while field. The pattern of the Tancho Kohaku resembles this flag exactly, and therefore makes it a living, breathing model of the Japanese flag.

Understandably, Koahku are the most popular fish in Japan and often win the title of “Grand Champion” in Japanese shows. For this reason, many koi breeders specialize in Kohaku and spend most of their time producing the finest specimens of Kohaku.

Assessing Quality Kohaku Koi

Identifying good quality Kohaku Koi is not easy. Although there are certain “pattern” basics that can be applied when buying fish, these patterns can change overtime. Predicting the way the patterns will evolve and change is a special talent. Body shape and conformation are also important features, however; few Americans understand and appreciate the complexities of this characteristic. Lastly, the crispness of the transition between red (Hi) and white (sashi), referred to as kiwa, is important. The crisper the transition, the better.

The complex intricacies of Kohaku patterns are typically only considered and judged during championships. While the following is likely inadequate in choosing show-quality Kohaku, it will help you identify value and recognize which Kohaku are worthy of being appreciated.

 

• The brighter the white (sashi), the better the Kohaku is. At the base of the tail, there should be a visible band of white stopping the red (Hi) from touching the tail. The pectoral fins, tail, and dorsal fins of the fish should be nothing but white. The Kohaku loses value if its white is thin or presents itself closer to a gray color.
• Some koi are a deep, cherry tomato or crimson red from birth to death. Depending upon the breeder, the red (Hi) in the fish can sometimes present slightly orange in its youth. As the fish matures or “finishes,” the red can change from orange to crimson red. If the breeding is poor, the red may never change to the valued crimson color. For this reason, many koi lovers refuse to purchase orange-colored Kohaku out of fear that they will never turn crimson.
• Small flecks of red in a Kohaku are undesirable. Also, the red should not go into the fins, extend below the eye in the head, go below the “lateral line” on the sides of the fish, or into the tail.

Parting Thoughts

Unless you are planning to enter your Kohaku into competition, the only physical traits that should matter when selecting your fish are the colorations and markings that are appealing to you. At the end of the day, beauty is objective. Choose fish that bring joy to you and your water garden. Contact us to see which fish we recommend for your pond.